Mercury Dime Years

Mercury Dime Years

The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Its name comes from the winged cap worn by Liberty, which resembles the Roman god Mercury. These iconic coins were designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman.

The Early Years (1916-1920)

The Mercury Dime made its debut in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime. In the first year, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints produced the coins. The 1916-D (Denver mint) is particularly rare. Only 264,000 were made. Collectors highly seek this coin, making it valuable in higher grades.

From 1917 to 1920, production continued robustly. In 1920, the San Francisco mint again produced a low mintage of just 13,820,000, contributing to higher value for collectors. The artistry and craftsmanship of Weinman’s design caught the public’s eye, cementing the dime’s popularity.

The Formative Years (1921-1930)

Production slowed down in 1921 due to reduced demand. Only around 1.2 million were minted in Philadelphia and Denver combined. The sharp decline in numbers marked this period’s coins as some of the most sought after by enthusiasts. From 1922 to 1925, there were no Mercury Dimes made.

In 1926, minting resumed. The 1926-S (San Francisco mint) had the lowest mintage of any dime since 1917, approximately 1.5 million. In 1927, production recovered, and the coinage distributed more widely. This decade represents significant value for both historical and scarcity reasons.

The Great Depression Era (1931-1940)

Economic meltdown led to reduced minting operations. No Mercury Dimes were produced in 1932 and 1933. Production resumed on a modest scale in 1934. The coins from this era reflect the economic troubles of the time and thus hold historical significance.

From 1936 to 1940, minting numbers became more predictable, with millions produced each year. With the U.S slowly coming out of the Great Depression, the coins from this period reflected a nation on the path to recovery. The 1938-D (Denver mint) is notably rare, with fewer than five million struck.

World War II and Beyond (1941-1945)

The Mercury Dime continued during the World War II years. Metal was critically managed, but silver content in the dimes remained unchanged. The coinage minted between these years holds particular significance due to their connection with wartime history.

By 1945, production reached its end. The 1942 over 41 error is well-known among collectors, caused by the reuse of 1941 dies. In 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death led to the Roosevelt Dime, replacing the Mercury Dime. The last Mercury Dime struck was in 1945, marking the end of an era.

Important Dates and Mintage Figures

• 1916-D: 264,000
• 1921: Philadelphia: 1,230,000, Denver: 1,080,000
• 1926-S: 1,520,000
• 1931: 1,260,000
• 1938-D: 5,537,000
• 1942/41: Around 20,000 known

Collecting Mercury Dimes

Collectors cherish these dimes for their beauty and historical significance. Condition plays a major role in value. Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). The key dates, such as the 1916-D, 1921, and 1942/41, in high grades, can fetch high prices. Even common years in uncirculated condition hold substantial value.

Errors and variations, like die cracks or off-center strikes, add another layer of intrigue. The 1942 over 41 error represents one of the most famous and valuable errors in the series. Regular mintage coins found in excellent condition also bolster their worth.

Tips for Collectors

• Research key dates and their respective mintages.
• Always check the coin’s condition before purchasing.
• Be cautious of counterfeits, especially for rare dates.
• Store coins properly to maintain their condition.

Mercury Dimes encapsulate a unique period in American history. Their design, rarity, and historical context make them enduringly fascinating for collectors and historians alike.